Officers uncovered a stash of hundreds of guns in what has been described as one of the biggest weapons seizures in the Metropolitan Police's history.
Officers have uncovered a stash of hundreds of guns in what is described as one of the biggest weapons seizures in the Metropolitan Police's history.
Three addresses were raided during dawn raids on Wednesday in Dartford, Kent, as part of an 18-month investigation into shootings in north London.
Three addresses were visited during dawn raids on Wednesday in Dartford, Kent, as part of an 18-month inquiry into shootings in north London.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying firearms during the raids, which involved 30 officers.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying firearms during the raids, which involved 30 officers.
Law enforcement agencies in the US have carried out linked raids in New Jersey.
Law enforcement agencies in the US have carried out linked raids in New Jersey.
The weapons police have seized included shotguns, automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
Pump-action shotguns, automatic and semi-automatic weapons were seized in the raids, carried out by the Met's Operation Trident team, which investigates gun crime within London's black community.
Two homes - one of which was where the weapons were found - and a commercial premises were visited by detectives.
It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis
It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis
BBC London's crime correspondent Guy Smith said some of the firearms were legitimate but police suspect many others could be illegal.
He added live ammunition was discovered on the garage floor at one address.
The Met's Operation Trident team, which investigates gun crime within London's black community, carried out the raids.
Officers raided two residential and one commercial address at about 0600 BST.
The weapons were found at one of the residential premises.
The operation - codenamed Mokpo - was launched 18 months ago following a spate of shootings in north London involving rival gangs.
The operation - codenamed Mokpo - was launched 18 months ago following a spate of shootings in north London involving rival gangs.
Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis, from Operation Trident, said: "This operation has resulted in hundreds of guns being taken out of circulation and has potentially prevented a number of serious injuries or even deaths occurring on the streets of London.
Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis, from Operation Trident, said: "This is the biggest firearms haul we (Operation Trident) have ever had.
"It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals.
"The premises raided were used to store hundreds and hundreds of weapons. I have never seen anything like it.
"Today's seizure demonstrates Trident's determination not only to target the gunmen but also tackle those who are responsible for supplying guns in the first place."
"There are guns everywhere. It will take us at least three days to log it all and bag up the evidence.
"It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals."
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